Simonides
composed a well-known epigram, which was engraved as an epitaph on
a commemorative stone placed on top of the burial mound of the Spartans
at Thermopylae. It is also the hill on which the last of them died.
Spyridon Marinatos discovered large numbers of Persian arrowheads
there. The original stone is not to be found now. Instead the epitaph
was engraved on a new stone erected in 1955. The text is

Friend, tell the Spartans that on this hill
We lie obedient to them still.Michael Dodson, 1951

Stranger, tell the Spartans that we behaved as
they would wish us to,
and are buried here.William Golding, The Hot Gates,
1965

Ruskin said of this epitaph that it was the
noblest group of words ever uttered by man. Its purpose is not
to attract attention, but
rather to show that they fear that Sparta may become suspicious
that their soldiers left their duties, and they wished to ask travelers
to tell Sparta the truth.

Leonidas monument

Additionally, a modern monument was constructed at the site, in the 50's, called the "Leonidas Monument" in honour of the Spartan king and his warriors.

It features a bronze statue of Leonidas. A sign, under the statue, reads simply: "Μολών λαβέ" ("Come and take them!"). The metope below depicts battle scenes. The two marble statues on the left and the right of the monument, represent respectively the river Evrotas and the mount Taygetus, hallmarks of Sparta.

In 1997, a second monument was officially unveiled by the Greek government, dedicated to the 700 Thespians who fought with the Spartans. The monument is made of marble and features a bronze statue depicting god Eros, who was worshiped in ancient Thespiae. Under the statue a sign reads "In memory of the seven hundred Thespians".

A plate, below the statue, explains its symbolism :

The headless male figure symbolizes the anonymous sacrifice of the 700 Thespians to their country.

The outstretched chest symbolizes the struggle, the gallantry, the strength, the bravery and the courage.

The open wing symbolizes the victory, the glory, the soul, the spirit and the freedom.

The broken wing symbolizes the voluntary sacrifice and death.

The naked body symbolizes Eros the most important god of the ancient Thespians, the god of creation, beauty and life.